The “RCB, RCB” chants drowned out the roar for the home team. When did that last happen at Wankhede? It wasn’t a sea of Mumbai Indians’ blue on Sunday. Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s crimson red made its presence felt. It wasn’t usual. MI, the five-time IPL champions, have a loyal fan base. RCB, the defending champions, arguably have the most fanatic following.
It was 2:30 pm, and the mercury touched 38 degrees Celsius. The real feel was closer to 42–43 degrees. Outside Wankhede, this correspondent bumped into a family—a husband, wife, and their three-year-old child. They had come all the way from Karnataka and arrived early in search of a couple of tickets. “If we don’t get them, we will watch it on the giant screen,” said the gentleman. Such is the passion for RCB.
The overwhelming support for the visitors even caught MI players off guard. “A bit surprised with so much support for RCB,” admitted Sherfane Rutherford at the post-match press conference. “I think it was for Virat (Kohli). He has done so much for the Indian team. But that wasn’t a problem for us. At the end of the day, we have to win our matches.”
The middle-order batter scored 71 not out off 31 deliveries, albeit in a losing cause. He emerged with some credit from a game where most of his teammates flattered to deceive.
Krunal Pandya was asked the same question—the RCB fans going toe to toe with their MI counterparts. The spin-bowling all-rounder returned figures of 1 for 26 in his four overs on a pitch where every other frontline bowler was taken to the cleaners. Krunal did it against a side led by his brother, Hardik.
“Wankhede Stadium is close to my heart, I played for six years for Mumbai Indians,” said Krunal at the presser. “Eventually the points are coming home only, one Pandya had to win.”
When a spinner uses the bouncer as a surprise weapon, it becomes difficult for batters. He has done it before, accounting for Will Jacks with a bouncer at this venue in last year’s IPL. This season, he is using it even more.
“I always try to stay one step ahead of the batters and keep them guessing,” said Krunal. The way he has been performing, a Team India recall cannot be ruled out.
Update on Rohit and Kohli
Four balls into the fifth over during MI’s chase, Rohit Sharma was seen limping. He required treatment, but the senior batter couldn’t continue. He retired hurt on 19, with his right hamstring strapped. It was an incredibly hot and energy-sapping day. Whether it was a cramp or something more serious is not known yet.
At the post-match presser, Rutherford was asked about Rohit’s fitness. “Not too sure about Rohit’s condition. I was in the dugout, I don’t have an update yet,” he said.
Kohli, on the other hand, was receiving treatment during RCB’s innings for what looked like an ankle injury. He didn’t come out to field. Krunal, however, allayed fears, saying: “I haven’t spoken to our physio yet. But I think Virat would be fine.”
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